A Nonaversive Intervention for Thumbsucking: Analysis Across Settings and Time in the Natural Environment

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Abstract
Generalization and maintenance of a differential reinforcement of other behavior (DRO) treatment for thumbsucking was experimentally analyzed across three settings with two school-age children. The treatment produced immediate reductions in thumbsucking in each setting in which it was introduced. Partial stimulus generalization occurred, but direct intervention in multiple settings was still needed. By the end of 2 months of treatment, reductions in thumbsucking of 90% and 86% occurred for the two children. However, at 3 months follow-up, both children had returned to base-line levels of the target behavior. It was suggested that sustaining the treatment for up to 6 months on a thinned schedule of reinforcement might be required to insure the durability of treatment effects.

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